Awesome

Gender:
Male

Familiarity:
I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions

I set it up a couple times in my room, and actually used it once on a trip to Havasupai near the Grand Canyon. As a freestanding tent, it is easily set up and stands solidly even without the stakes, but it does become roomier (and looks better) when staked in. The rainfly comes in easy too, and has color coded straps at the corners that match the tent's, so you immediately know the correct orientation. I am 5'11", 160lbs, and slept perfectly fine in it with a buddy of mine who is about the same build. I cannot attest to the waterproof rating since it did not rain on us that night. Some people have mentioned issues with the gear loft, about stuff sliding out. The gear loft has sort of a basket on one end, so it's not a simple plane of mesh. Therefore if you set it up right (simple to do), stuff will NOT slide out of the gear loft. The tent also has a little mesh pocket in every corner of the tent, which is useful too. Inside the center of the tent, I am able to sit confortably, with a few inches between my head and the tent ceiling. I also like that it is easy to roll up the canopy and fly together, since the air escapes easily through the fabric as you roll up, so I never ended up with air pockets between the fabric after rolling it up. It also packs down pretty good, which was one of my main concerns.

I do not have extensive experience with backpacking tents, but from the ones I've used or been in, this is my overall favorite. I really like it and so far have no complaints at all.

PICTURE: shows the packed size relative to my hand and a size 10 shoe. Seems like the standard comparison item for outdoor gear is a nalgene, but i dont own one